Birkins made six appearances for the Rays earlier in the year and spent parts of the last two seasons with the Orioles, including two starts in ’07. He posted a 7.52 ERA in 40.2 innings with 29 strikeouts and 28 walks for Durham.

Given the demand for lefty relievers, look for Birkins to land a job in a contender’s bullpen for the final month of the season.